Öztürkler: Government Seeking Consensus On Cost-Of-Living Plan

Speaking after a meeting of the Advisory Council at the Cumhuriyet Meclisi, Öztürkler said the process in recent days had placed strain on police, unions, citizens, journalists and MPs, and that there was a shared will to avoid a repeat of such tensions.

He noted that under parliamentary rules, the General Assembly is the final authority on legislation, adding that the Ulusal Birlik Partisi had expressed its preference for reducing tensions and pursuing a “common sense” consensus-based approach, while the Cumhuriyetçi Türk Partisi reiterated its call for the bill to be sent back to committee.

Öztürkler said the government and UBP are continuing internal evaluations, with discussions ongoing both within the Council of Ministers and party group meetings to determine the way forward. He added that the CTP had requested to be informed once a decision is reached.

He stressed that resuming General Assembly proceedings without a clear decision would risk further tensions, recalling that he had previously suspended sittings during protests to prioritise de-escalation.

Öztürkler also said that due to the upcoming Antalya Diplomacy Forum, many MPs will be abroad on Thursday, making it unlikely for the General Assembly to convene this week unless extraordinary developments occur.

On security measures around parliament, he said police are responsible for security, noting that precautionary steps such as removing loose stones and reinforcing damaged walls had been taken, while no decision has been made بشأن installing concrete barriers.

He also underlined the importance of recent contacts with Azerbaijan in terms of political representation, adding that broader participation from MPs would be ensured in future engagements.